Perhaps instead of the run-and-shoot, Hawai'i's offense could be called the block-and-shoot.

As the 10th-ranked Warriors go for an unprecedented 13-0 season with a New Year's Day matchup with Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the running back picture is still clearing up.

In the regular season the Warriors used 12 ball-carriers in the one-back, run-and-shoot offense.

The replacements for the punishing duo of former running backs Nate Ilaoa (5 feet 9, 245 pounds) and Reagan Mauia (6-0, 270) have been juniors David Farmer (6-1, 224) and Daniel Libre (5-8, 185), sophomore Leon Wright-Jackson (6-1, 211) and freshman Kealoha Pilares (5-11, 190).

The group has accounted for 805 of Hawai'i's 949 rushing yards. The Warriors rush for 3.6 yards per carry and 79.1 per game.

"They've done a pretty good job so far," said running backs' coach Wes Suan. "They're still coming around on some things, but they're all hard workers."

With quarterback Colt Brennan fueling a pass offense that generates 450.2 yards per game, the running backs don't need to put up eye-popping stats for Hawai'i to win.

With four receivers and no tight ends, the ability of the running backs to block is as important as their with-the-ball skills.

"It's probably the biggest thing we work on," Suan said. "We throw the ball so much, our backs serve as an extra blocker."

Farmer is widely regarded as the group's best blocker.

"He's been real steady and consistent," said Suan. "He doesn't get to carry the ball very much, but I don't think that's a big deal to him. He takes pride in his blocking."

Farmer has just 13 carries for 41 yards with no touchdowns.

Pilares, who redshirted last season after transferring from the Air Force Academy, has 61 carries for 362 yards — both team-highs — and three touchdowns. He has also added 20 pounds since being named The Advertiser's State Player of the Year in 2005.

"Kealoha is a guy who knows the value of hard work and he's willing to do it to become better," said Suan.

Wright-Jackson, a transfer from Nebraska, has rushed for 219 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns.

"Leon's still learning in our system. He's a very, very talented guy who has tremendous speed, but he's working to improve his blocking," said Suan.

Libre saw his first action against Fresno State on Nov. 10, but has impressed enough to earn regular playing time. Libre rushed for 82 yards on 10 carries in the Dec. 1 comeback-victory over Washington. He also caught six passes for 61 yards in that game.

"The guy is a quick study," said Suan. "June (Jones) saw something in him and (Libre) hasn't disappointed. He's a speedy guy once he gets some space."

All four backs are returning next season.

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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